Plymouth to Poole route in a 26 foot yacht

[Dougy]

After purchasing a boat in Plymouth (Westerly Griffon) I have to have it off its Mooring before the end of March 2026. I have never been round Portland. My plan is to get to Salcombe and go straight form Salcombe to Studland in one go on a neap tide (15th or 29th March - ish) Travelling 10 miles south of the race at Portland. After a bit of research I gather that should put me well clear of any nasty water (weather permitting ;-) I only have 3 or 4 days for this trip.and limited experienced crew so mainly solo, hence avoiding the inner passage.
Has anyone any better suggestions for the passage, actual routes, or does this plan seem to be workable. I have simply plotted a course in navionics from salcombe to 10 miles south of Portland then making my way in towards studland. I will be happy to hear from anyone with any advice or a more detailed passage making the most of the tidal stream..

 

[Jonny A]

I've done this route several times in my Contessa 26, and it's no trouble. You can do it quite comfortably on springs or neaps, I aim to arrive south of Portland around 5 hours before HW Dover to pick up the positive tide from just before Portland all the way along to Swanage. The tide has usually turned against me just as I arrive but motoring in from there is no trouble.

10 miles south of Portland is excessive, I leave 5nm and have never hit the race. If you're running late it's better to take the inner passage, stay ~50m off the Bill and allow for the tide pushing you south towards the race. If the tide is against you once you're round I'd anchor off Weymouth beach and pick up the next tide.

 

[LittleSister]

I've done it a number of times in each direction in a variety of boats, mainly smaller than yours, variously single-handed, as skipper with a crew, and as crew with another skipper.

Assuming you wait for appropriate weather, I can't think of any nav issue other than tide timing and/or keeping an appropriate offing from Start Point/ Prawle Point and from Portland Bill. (Given you've ruled out the Portland Inner Route, which I wouldn't.)

It is, though, a long old slog across Lyme Bay, and I'd suggest you consider stopping off at Salcombe (or even Dartmouth) to whittle that down as far as practicable (without going out of your way). Both places (and the trip to either from Plymouth) are pleasant in their own right, so it's not like such a stop off is a chore.

 

[Twaarrd]

Hi Dougy

I recently did this on my Gib'Sea 84. I was about 5nm off the bill around springs with no issues. I probably didn't time my passage perfectly (though I was coming from Plymouth) but passed the bill a few hours before the tide turned then had a very slow run across Weymouth Bay. Other than the times, the big consideration for me would be wind direction - It's a longish trip across Lyme bay and pushing in to waves and wind would quickly get tiring.
Have a safe trip

 

[Dougy]

5 nm off the point seems plenty and time the approach correctly.. I may rethink the inner passage and have a few more stops instead of the long 20+ hour slog direct from salcombe, as you say if pushing into waves and wind it would definitely take a little of the fun out of it. Thank you.

 

[zoidberg]

Your #5 plan, Dougy, to build in some 'Plan B and C' places to stop is sound. Daylight hours are likely to be reduced, and wind/water temperature low - which is fatiguing - so I'd suggest you consider going into Salcombe or, better, Dartmouth for R&R before the Lyme Bay crossing.

I'd encourage you in keeping well clear of the Inner Passage, as a lack of daylight and the sudden emergence of seafog turns that into a rather more 'challenging' stretch than you'd want. IMHO it is for clear visibility and optimum choice of weather and tide. You only need one look at the Weymouth Lifeboat's Record of Services to see how many vessels get entangled in pot-lines and urgently need some help.

Do give yourself some clearance to the Shambles Bank and St Albans Ledge.... and you should be fine.

You can always 'Swipe Left' into Portland or Weymouth should you so need/desire.

 

[Boathook]

Possibly do Plymouth to Dartmouth and then Dartmouth to Studland. Arrange Dartmouth to Studland so that you approach Portland as the tide starts to flood (turns east). There should be enough flood to get to Studland. You might have to keep out of Lulworth to keep clear of the firing range the overalls.
If Lyme bay is tiring stop at portland or Weymouth.

I have done Plymouth to Studland in one hit with one crew, and it is a slog even ending up motoring most of the way due to little wind.

 

[doug748]

After purchasing a boat in Plymouth (Westerly Griffon) I have to have it off its Mooring before the end of March 2026. I have never been round Portland. My plan is to get to Salcombe and go straight form Salcombe to Studland in one go on a neap tide (15th or 29th March - ish) Travelling 10 miles south of the race at Portland. After a bit of research I gather that should put me well clear of any nasty water (weather permitting ;-) I only have 3 or 4 days for this trip.and limited experienced crew so mainly solo, hence avoiding the inner passage.
Has anyone any better suggestions for the passage, actual routes, or does this plan seem to be workable. I have simply plotted a course in navionics from salcombe to 10 miles south of Portland then making my way in towards studland. I will be happy to hear from anyone with any advice or a more detailed passage making the most of the tidal stream..

Plymouth - Salcombe is a pretty short leg, I would continue to Brixham pick up a mooring there and be ready for an easy start when the tides serve. This saves a few miles and means the only tidal gate you have to think about is Portland.

 

[Wansworth]

As a young man I sailed my 15 footer along the south coast to Falmouth and back to Littlehampton and later an open 18 footer …..Pickyour weather and just go

 

[wonkywinch]

Done the leg a fair few times now. As suggested, Brixham or Torquay to get a head start and aim to be an hour west of a point 5nm south of the Bill at slack low water then take the flood conveyor belt to Studland.

As it'll need an early start, cut out the faff of leaving a Dart mooring and getting round Berry Head which saves you at least 7-8 miles (ie another 90 mins in bed at 0300 hrs).

 

[MontyMariner]

5 nm off the point seems plenty and time the approach correctly.. I may rethink the inner passage and have a few more stops instead of the long 20+ hour slog direct from salcombe, as you say if pushing into waves and wind it would definitely take a little of the fun out of it. Thank you.

Going Ply to Poo, there is no reason to go off route to PB inner passage, unless you want to visit Wey (the same from Dart).
Are you sailing solo or crewed up? Tha could make a difference as to whether you stop off at Dart.
In 2008 I did a run from South of Berry Hd to Poole. Ths is an extract from my trip write-up on Summer Cruse 2008 - Voyage Abandoned : Monty Mariner

Saturday 9 Aug

Lived up to predictions, wet and windy. Dartmouth hadn’t changed in the three or four years since my last visit, except it appeared even more expensive! It was made up for by a nice evening in the Royal Dart YC and a commendation to them for the access to a PC so I could have a look at the weather maps. The isobars were predicted to open out a bit over night Sunday and into Monday, so a Sunday morning start for the 100 odd miles to L’Aber Wrac’h looked to be on the cards.

Sunday 10 Aug ~ 123 Mls 19 Hrs 30

Set off at 09:30, this time ready rigged for strong winds. The wind was as expected was 18 knots gusting 28 from the SW. I didn’t bother with the Main, I sailed under Yanky and Mizzen doing 5 to 6 knots through the water but the best COG that I could make was 180°. I then realised that my wind generator wasn’t doing its job – zero output. This started the internal debate as to what to do, the engine would have to be run periodically to keep the batteries up and I didn’t think it would like running at my current heeling angle, doing some calculations I reckoned that the 100 miles would be nearer 180 miles with tacks, so to continue (single handed) was not a viable option. One decision made, now whether to return to Dartmouth and sit for best part of a week with a broken Wind Gen and costing me £13 a day + food for the pleasure or to turn back to Poole?

This was a no brainer, at 15:15 I was now 30 miles out from Berry Hd, so I turned down wind for Poole, this would set me 8 miles off Portland Bill and clear of St Albans race.

Oh! how conditions change, I poled out the Yanky, unfurled most of the Genoa and downed the Mizzen. I was flying! 7 to 8 knots over the ground, hardly any roll, I could now sit back and relax. Settled down to a good dinner (pan fried Salmon, boiled Potatoes and Spinach) just before the light went, what a dark Sunday night it was! no ships around, was I the only fool out?

Off Durlston Hd at 03:15 ~ 78 miles in 12 hours ~ Ave SOG 6.5 knots

My next challenge was how to reduce speed, de-rig the Yanky and turn onto a reach for Poole. I furled most of the Genoa, and turned South a bit to keep the Yanky filled unsupported. Put the deck light on, clipped on and headed forward to unclip the pole and drop the sail. Got the pole stowed ok and started to drop the Yanky, but realised some of it could end up in the water, I tightened it up on the winch so it now dropped inside the guard rail to which it got tied. I now turned for Poole, let out most of the Genoa and raised the Mizzen.

As dawn broke, I picked up a mooring off Hamworthy and settled down for a sleep to wait for the tide to get me up to Wareham.

 

[chriss999]

Great advice above.

The only things I’d add are:

1) are you 100% sure of the engine and the quality of the fuel? I’d get the engine serviced, if not already done, check that there are spare filters etc on board and check that the diesel is clean and no water or debris in the tank. Inc put fuel conditioner (recommendations for enzyme stuff on the forum as it is said to digest the organic sludge).

2) probably worth lining up alternative mooring (or marina berth if flush) after the end of March in case your weather window doesn’t materialise or in case you want to leave it a bit for the days to lengthen or the temperatures to rise. (That’s assuming that you don’t find a weather window earlier and do it this autumn.)

A great trip in the right weather, enjoy.

 

[Tranona]

After purchasing a boat in Plymouth (Westerly Griffon) I have to have it off its Mooring before the end of March 2026. I have never been round Portland. My plan is to get to Salcombe and go straight form Salcombe to Studland in one go on a neap tide (15th or 29th March - ish) Travelling 10 miles south of the race at Portland. After a bit of research I gather that should put me well clear of any nasty water (weather permitting ;-) I only have 3 or 4 days for this trip.and limited experienced crew so mainly solo, hence avoiding the inner passage.
Has anyone any better suggestions for the passage, actual routes, or does this plan seem to be workable. I have simply plotted a course in navionics from salcombe to 10 miles south of Portland then making my way in towards studland. I will be happy to hear from anyone with any advice or a more detailed passage making the most of the tidal stream..

It is the timing that would concern me. at that time of year the winds are predominately easterly, the days are short and the chances of getting 4 days favourable weather poor. Add in a new to you untested boat and inexperienced crew makes it even more of a challenge.

 

[Dougy]

I've done this route several times in my Contessa 26, and it's no trouble. You can do it quite comfortably on springs or neaps, I aim to arrive south of Portland around 5 hours before HW Dover to pick up the positive tide from just before Portland all the way along to Swanage. The tide has usually turned against me just as I arrive but motoring in from there is no trouble.

10 miles south of Portland is excessive, I leave 5nm and have never hit the race. If you're running late it's better to take the inner passage, stay ~50m off the Bill and allow for the tide pushing you south towards the race. If the tide is against you once you're round I'd anchor off Weymouth beach and pick up the next tide.

Ok great, was hoping 10 wasn't needed, many thanks.

 

[Dougy]

Great advice above.

The only things I’d add are:

1) are you 100% sure of the engine and the quality of the fuel? I’d get the engine serviced, if not already done, check that there are spare filters etc on board and check that the diesel is clean and no water or debris in the tank. Inc put fuel conditioner (recommendations for enzyme stuff on the forum as it is said to digest the organic sludge).

2) probably worth lining up alternative mooring (or marina berth if flush) after the end of March in case your weather window doesn’t materialise or in case you want to leave it a bit for the days to lengthen or the temperatures to rise. (That’s assuming that you don’t find a weather window earlier and do it this autumn.)

A great trip in the right weather, enjoy.

I am going to go down over the winter for an engine service etc and a few sea trials, so come March I will be confident with the boat and will definitely take your point with alternative berths, just in case...if it can go wrong, it probably will

 

[Dougy]

Going Ply to Poo, there is no reason to go off route to PB inner passage, unless you want to visit Wey (the same from Dart).
Are you sailing solo or crewed up? Tha could make a difference as to whether you stop off at Dart.
In 2008 I did a run from South of Berry Hd to Poole. Ths is an extract from my trip write-up on Summer Cruse 2008 - Voyage Abandoned : Monty Mariner

Saturday 9 Aug

Lived up to predictions, wet and windy. Dartmouth hadn’t changed in the three or four years since my last visit, except it appeared even more expensive! It was made up for by a nice evening in the Royal Dart YC and a commendation to them for the access to a PC so I could have a look at the weather maps. The isobars were predicted to open out a bit over night Sunday and into Monday, so a Sunday morning start for the 100 odd miles to L’Aber Wrac’h looked to be on the cards.

Sunday 10 Aug ~ 123 Mls 19 Hrs 30

Set off at 09:30, this time ready rigged for strong winds. The wind was as expected was 18 knots gusting 28 from the SW. I didn’t bother with the Main, I sailed under Yanky and Mizzen doing 5 to 6 knots through the water but the best COG that I could make was 180°. I then realised that my wind generator wasn’t doing its job – zero output. This started the internal debate as to what to do, the engine would have to be run periodically to keep the batteries up and I didn’t think it would like running at my current heeling angle, doing some calculations I reckoned that the 100 miles would be nearer 180 miles with tacks, so to continue (single handed) was not a viable option. One decision made, now whether to return to Dartmouth and sit for best part of a week with a broken Wind Gen and costing me £13 a day + food for the pleasure or to turn back to Poole?

This was a no brainer, at 15:15 I was now 30 miles out from Berry Hd, so I turned down wind for Poole, this would set me 8 miles off Portland Bill and clear of St Albans race.

Oh! how conditions change, I poled out the Yanky, unfurled most of the Genoa and downed the Mizzen. I was flying! 7 to 8 knots over the ground, hardly any roll, I could now sit back and relax. Settled down to a good dinner (pan fried Salmon, boiled Potatoes and Spinach) just before the light went, what a dark Sunday night it was! no ships around, was I the only fool out?

Off Durlston Hd at 03:15 ~ 78 miles in 12 hours ~ Ave SOG 6.5 knots

My next challenge was how to reduce speed, de-rig the Yanky and turn onto a reach for Poole. I furled most of the Genoa, and turned South a bit to keep the Yanky filled unsupported. Put the deck light on, clipped on and headed forward to unclip the pole and drop the sail. Got the pole stowed ok and started to drop the Yanky, but realised some of it could end up in the water, I tightened it up on the winch so it now dropped inside the guard rail to which it got tied. I now turned for Poole, let out most of the Genoa and raised the Mizzen.

As dawn broke, I picked up a mooring off Hamworthy and settled down for a sleep to wait for the tide to get me up to Wareham.

Thanks Monty. I will have a good look at all that great advice and you log.

 

[Dougy]

It is the timing that would concern me. at that time of year the winds are predominately easterly, the days are short and the chances of getting 4 days favourable weather poor. Add in a new to you untested boat and inexperienced crew makes it even more of a challenge.

Didn't think of the wind direction being predominantly easterlies This is why I posted... Great advice and much to think on. Thank you all....

 

[Dougy]

Possibly do Plymouth to Dartmouth and then Dartmouth to Studland. Arrange Dartmouth to Studland so that you approach Portland as the tide starts to flood (turns east). There should be enough flood to get to Studland. You might have to keep out of Lulworth to keep clear of the firing range the overalls.
If Lyme bay is tiring stop at portland or Weymouth.

I have done Plymouth to Studland in one hit with one crew, and it is a slog even ending up motoring most of the way due to little wind.

This is what I would prefer to do and the Dartmouth stop makes sense. TY

 

[Dougy]

Plymouth - Salcombe is a pretty short leg, I would continue to Brixham pick up a mooring there and be ready for an easy start when the tides serve. This saves a few miles and means the only tidal gate you have to think about is Portland.

 

[Dougy]

Well that's why I love this site!! Thank you all so much for all the brilliant advice.